Keep an eye out for the Miriam Ast Quintet

Miriam Ast (vocal); James Copus (trumpet); Will Barry (piano); Will Harris (bass); Will Edwards (drums).

Danny Boy, although a longtime fixture in the Great Irish Song Book, is rarely a part of the jazz repertoire and, although I do recall a Ben Webster recording from some years back, it came as somewhat of a surprize to hear it sung in a jazz setting.

London based German vocalist Ast however, after a fairly straight interpretation, takes it on a rollicking ride ‘cross the Mountains of Mourne scatting and improvising like a horn player. Talking of horn players there's some nice trumpet from James Copus.

The other two tracks Miriam sent me are both originals of hers and showcase, not only her compositional capability but also the extent of her vocal range.

There is, I think, a suggestion of contemporary folk in there too.

Apart from Copus’ sympathetic trumpet accompaniment and short solos, Barry provides sound piano backing along with Harris and Edwards.

There is an album in the offing…

Watch this space.

Soundcloud.

Lance.